this place [of mine] was a welcome gateway for young people to join the conversation about Place. The Young Producers embraced the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists, and develop digital skills, to articulate their visions through the lens of collective ownership, urban green space, climate activism, and architectural design. By connecting with peers from across GM, they increased their awareness of other localities, fostering a wider identity as a GM citizen.

The Young Producers expressed pride in how creative and proactive they had been during lockdown, and how they felt part of an online community. Their digital skills were used to share visions for the future of their towns and they took on the role of ambassadors to promote and increase levels of engagement with the Hub.

Whilst the pandemic posed challenges for the project, it also presented an opportunity to develop new and innovative methods of delivery. As a cross- sector collaboration it used art and creativity as the key methodology to successfully address the seemingly disparate themes of the future high street and digital inclusion.

We can work across a digital realm, with individuals who have limited digital experience, to create a genuine place for young people to meet and build an online community. The platform for young people’s views gave rise to unexpected and insightful voices that conventional consultation tools may not have inspired.

The inclusivity of the digital space, and the use of a diverse range of platforms, nurtured the wellbeing of participants and we learnt to adapt to an inclusive communication strategy which offered choices to turn off cameras, type replies instead of speaking, and feedback through collaborative, co-design software. Digital tools can be used to foster an inclusive and healthy environment for participants whilst also responding to the diversity of their learning styles and the demands of their lives. Digital access can be a level playing field and online engagement has equity with in-person engagement.

Several of the Young Producers have progressed with their new found interest in Place with one joining the Town Youth Council and another starting a degree in architecture.